Murder, rape suspects caught

MANILA, Philippines — Two fugitives were arrested in separate police operations in Metro Manila, the police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) reported yesterday.

Jovito Villaran, wanted for murder, was arrested in Pasig over the weekend. Villaran allegedly belonged to a kidnapping group led by former Police Officer 1 Rafael Maray, who was killed in a shootout with AKG personnel in Binangonan, Rizal in July.

The AKG also identified Villaran as the main suspect in the killing and beheading of Jesus Armoliga in the victim’s house in Cardona, Rizal.

John Eric Rueda was arrested by the AKG in Navotas yesterday morning. He is wanted for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in Samar in 2003.

Rueda worked as an overseas worker in Dubai from 2003 to 2007 and had been on the move after returning to the country in 2007, the AKG said.